IU football's journey in rebuilding its running back room took a significant turn with their first foray into the transfer portal. This move has the potential to bring a new dimension to the team's offensive capabilities. On3Sports' Pete Nakos reported that UAB running back Lee Beebe has signed with the Hoosiers. Beebe, who just completed his redshirt sophomore season, showcased remarkable stats during his time at UAB. He led the Blazers with 1,103 all-purpose yards and rushed for 885 yards and seven scores. His average of 5.3 yards per carry was impressive, and he added 30 catches, including another touchdown. This kind of production is exactly what IU football needs as they look to replace their two leading rushers, Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, who have exhausted their eligibility.

Why UAB Transfer Lee Beebe is a Good Fit for Hoosiers

Curt Cignetti, the coach, values production over potential in the transfer portal. He wants to bring in players with a chip on their shoulder, and Beebe fits that profile perfectly. As a former walk-on, he landed a spot on UAB's roster during a summer workout just weeks before the 2022 season. According to AL.com, he spent much of his prep career as a receiver. Hindley Brigham, UAB's running backs coach, described Beebe in an interview with AL.com, saying, "Of all the guys that are in my room, they're all special to me in some way. Lee embraces all challenges with an unbelievable attitude. He's got an infectious way about him and is super competitive without being edgy, which is hard to do. He lays it all on the line and gives maximum effort every day, but does it with a smile on his face. That's an unusual person." Beebe also has the added bonus of having two years of eligibility left, which will be a great asset for IU football. Indiana only signed a handful of players with similar eligibility last year, such as Black, Elijah Sarratt, Aiden Fisher, D’Angelo Ponds, and Tyrique Tucker. This will help Cignetti achieve his goal of balancing out the roster so that the team is not too dependent on transfers year after year.

Lee Beebe's Impressive Stats at UAB

Last year, Beebe ranked among the top 20 FBS running backs with 3.83 yards after contact. He forced 39 missed tackles and had 25 runs of 10-yards or more, which means he achieved one such run every 12.5 carries. This shows his ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage. Beebe also tied for 17th among running backs with 30 receptions. IU's running backs combined for 27 catches this season, so Beebe's receiving skills will be a valuable addition. According to Pro Football Focus, he lined up all over the line of scrimmage, with reps out of the slot and split out wide. This versatility will give IU's offense more options and make it difficult for opposing defenses to prepare.

The Impact of Losing Reserve Back Elijah Green

Reserve back Elijah Green transferred in from North Carolina last offseason but entered the transfer portal again. This left Kaelon Black as the lone returning running back with experience. The Hoosiers only have two other running backs, Khobie Martin (who redshirted this year) and 2025 signee Sean Cuono. Losing Green means IU needs to rely more on the remaining players to fill the void in the running back room. However, with the addition of Lee Beebe, there is hope that the team can overcome this setback and continue to improve their offensive performance.

IU Football's Need for a Strong Running Back Room

A good running back room is crucial for IU football's success. It provides a reliable source of yardage and helps to control the tempo of the game. With the departure of their two leading rushers, IU needs to find players who can step up and fill the void. Lee Beebe's arrival is a step in the right direction, but the team still needs to develop and integrate the other running backs to create a balanced and effective unit. The coaching staff will need to work hard to maximize the potential of each player and ensure that they are all working together towards a common goal. Only time will tell how successful IU football will be in rebuilding their running back room, but the addition of Lee Beebe gives them a good start.